Children’s Lack of Key Words Could Indicate Autism, Expert Suggests
A language expert emphasizes that early detection of autism in children could be linked to their speech patterns. Vittorio Tantucci, a senior linguistics lecturer at Lancaster University, points out the fascinating differences in communication styles of children on the autism spectrum.
Vittorio explains, “Autistic children may exhibit less eye contact, focus on details instead of the overall conversation, and prefer literal meanings over implied messages. This distinct way of communicating can pose challenges in interactions with adults.”
In a recent study, researchers observed how children imitate their parents’ speech during conversations. The study included 180 Mandarin-speaking children aged between 37 and 60 months, both neurotypical and neurodiverse. The findings revealed that autistic children demonstrated less verbal imitation compared to their neurotypical peers.
The study showed that autistic children tended to repeat phrases without adding creativity or improvisation, indicating a lower level of “resonance” in their speech.
Vittorio highlights the significance of these findings in aiding parents, clinicians, and educators to recognize potential autism symptoms in children. Understanding these differences in speech patterns can help parents comprehend why their child’s communication might differ from neurotypical children.
Key Points:
– Neurotypical children exhibit a common communication style.
– Autistic children may struggle with eye contact and prefer literal meanings.
– Verbal imitation plays a crucial role in language development.
– Autistic children show less creativity and improvisation in their speech.
– Recognizing these differences could lead to earlier autism diagnosis.
These insights offer new avenues for supporting children with autism and enhancing their communication skills from an early age.Parents and professionals can utilize this knowledge to provide tailored support and interventions for children on the autism spectrum.